By JIMMY VIELKIND Capitol bureau

Published 1:00 am, Monday, July 19, 2010

COLONIE -- You couldn't get into the Albany County Democratic picnic Saturday without passing Tim Carney.

The Albany man pressed laminated palm cards into the hands of his fellow partisans, telling them he has a plan to lower property taxes by raising income taxes. Nearby, blue-shirted volunteers handed out stickers touting Luke Martland, a former prosecutor. The men have one thing in common: They believe Sen. Neil Breslin, a Bethlehem lawyer seeking his eighth term, has become part of the problem in a problematic chamber.

"We have some good visibility, and people see that we're a serious campaign who can turn out volunteers and turn out people," Martland said. "I've met a lot of people, and just talking to them about the dysfunction, and how the current Senate can't even pass a budget while their taxes are up as a result and jobs leave the state, and how I'm going to fight to change that. Is it Breslin's fault alone? No. But partly his fault? Absolutely."

Breslin was a few feet away, wearing a plaid shirt and resting between chats with voters beneath a blue tarp. His supporters -- including some Senate staffers wearing white shirts emblazoned with his name -- handed out buttons, but most of the loyal partisans in the group knew Breslin and came over to say hello.

"The picnic is all the hard-working people in Albany County who work for the party or participate in Democratic politics," said Breslin, who was backed by the committee. "I tell voters we'll begin to turn the state around, the economy's picking up, (and) I continue to be a major part of the purge within the Senate."

Indeed, Breslin has been open in saying that the body in which he serves is tainted, noting numerous investigations against Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr., D-Bronx; the expulsion of Sen. Hiram Monserrate after he was convicted of misdemeanor assault for manhandling his girlfriend; and an abortive coup last year. Democrats control the chamber by a 32-30 margin, which has hampered their ability to pass some controversial measures. They left the Capitol earlier this month without passing a complete state budget.

Which is exactly Martland's point: "He's part of the leadership of the Senate that can't pass a budget and now is taking weeks off. They're not even trying to do the job. Is that partly his fault? Yes. When they do come up with ideas to balance the budget, it involves raising taxes. Is that partly his fault? Yes."

He's hoping the tarnished brand will work to his advantage. A poll released last week showed 47 percent of voters surveyed give legislators an "F" for their handling of the budget, and only 30 percent are prepared to re-elect their senator, compared to 52 percent who prefer "someone else."

Breslin's polling numbers are said to be higher, but like all incumbents he's more vulnerable this year than in previous elections. He has raised more funds than his opponents -- he reported $414,000 in his campaign account last week, compared to $137,000 for Martland. Breslin raised $202,000 in the past six months, while Martland relied on a $100,000 loan from himself to buoy his campaign.

Carney's account does not exceed $1,000, which indicates he is more of a long shot. He said of his opponents: "Neil is going to have to spend a lot of money to make his record look good, and Luke is going to have to spend a lot of money so people know who he is. Me, I've been out there."

Indeed, Breslin's campaign sent a flier to Albany constituents touting a bill that will allow a residential parking system. Breslin points to that bill, and another mandating autism be covered in health insurance plans, as evidence he should stay.

"In the last number of years, I think I've been the most outspoken in terms of getting rid of Espada," he said. "I've worked very hard for the people of Albany County and I'm not part of the dysfunction, and have been at the forefront of all the attempts to change the way we do business in the Senate."

He sounded a similar refrain in a speech to the crowd.

"We will rid ourselves of some of the people who don't belong in Albany," Breslin said. "And with your help, we'll get it done.